Postdoctoral researcher in regulatory genomics of echinoderms

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in investigating the genomic underpinnings of the emergence of novel body plans.   The ideal candidate would have a strong experience in developmental biology, embryology and cis-regulatory analysis in classical model organisms (zebrafish, etc..) or emerging models (echinoderms, tunicates, spiralians). Familiarity with functional genomics techniques (HiC, HiChip, ATAC-seq) and associated computational tools would also be highly valued. Our main research model is echinoderms who possess a unique pentaradial body symmetry secondarily acquired among bilaterian animals. To understand how this took place, we will investigate the gene regulatory events that underline gene expression and patterning during larval metamorphosis. The post is funded for 3 years by a BBSRC grant.

The group of Ferdinand Marlétaz is affiliated with the Centre for Life’s Origins and evolution (CLOE) in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment. Recently established, the lab is focused on tracing back the origin of new genes and new regulatory mechanisms to understand the regulatory and genomic bases of organismal novelties. We use a combination of comparative genomics and regulatory profiling techniques.

Applications should be done on UCL website, but we encourage the candidates to make informal inquiries to F. Marlétaz (f.marletaz@ucl.ac.uk).